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define

de·fine

define

 
 
pronunciation:
dih faIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: defines, defining, defined
definition 1: to explain or state the meaning of (a word or phrase).
Dictionaries attempt to define words clearly and precisely.You should define unfamiliar terms at the beginning of your paper.
similar words:
construe, explain, explicate, interpret
definition 2: to describe the nature or essence of.
Is there one quality that defines human beings?
synonyms:
characterize
similar words:
delineate, describe, designate, determine, represent
definition 3: to establish or determine the limits or extent of.
The boundaries of the farm are clearly defined.
synonyms:
circumscribe, delimit, demarcate
similar words:
bound, describe, determine, establish, mark off
definition 4: to clearly specify.
The property owner and the electrical contractor defined the terms of their agreement before any work on the house was begun.
synonyms:
clarify, explain
similar words:
elucidate, expound, specify, spell out, state
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: definable (adj.), definably (adv.), definability (n.), definer (n.)
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature